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Lane one remains closed this morning while Avon and Somerset Constabulary carry out investigation work.

The lorry driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital to be checked over as a precaution before being discharged. He has since been spoken to by officers from our Collision Investigation Unit as they look to establish the circumstances of the incident.

Superintendent Simon Ellis said: “This was a horrific incident which has tragically claimed the lives of four people and seriously injured three others. Our thoughts are very much with their families and friends during what is an extremely difficult time.

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“I’d like to thank the emergency services personnel who have been working extraordinarily long hours at a very complex scene to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out and the road is cleared as quickly as possible.

“I’d also like to once again praise the members of the public who courageously went to the aid of those involved in this collision and in some cases rescued them from their vehicles. Their bravery and composure must be commended.

“I fully appreciate how disruptive the closures have been during the past 24 hours and I’d like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank the public for their patience.

“We still have some work to do and lane one will remain closed while this is completed but I fully expect the carriageway to reopen completely sometime tomorrow.”

Highways England's duty operations manager Bev Mears said: “We anticipate the closure of lane one will cause some delays during peak times so we would advise drivers to allow additional time for their journeys and use an alternative route where possible. We would also like to thank drivers for their patience and cooperation so far.

“We do provide live traffic information via our website www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information , local and national radio travel bulletins, Twitter, electronic road signs and mobile platforms, such as Android and iPhone apps.

“Highways England would like to echo the sympathy of police colleagues to those affected by this tragic incident and thank the emergency services with whom we have worked closely alongside, along with the public, for their cooperation and patience.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident and hasn’t spoken to the police yet is asked to call the Collision Investigation Unit via 101, providing the reference CI/187/17.